Childs: Book by native Amarilloan will charm genealogists

Posted: Sunday, July 30, 2000

MARLETA CHILDSKinsearching

A fascinating new coffee-table book that will charm many genealogists, cultural historians and art collectors is "Fraktur: Folk Art and Family" by Amarillo-born Corinne Earnest and her husband, Russell Earnest.

This latest work by the Earnests explores the world of American fraktur - brightly decorated manuscripts made by and for Pennsylvania German families from the mid-1700s to the early part of the 20th century. Although the artwork covers a variety of items from special merit awards to bookplates, the most common types of German-American fraktur are taufscheins (birth and baptismal certificates). The majority come from southeast Pennsylvania, but their usage may be found anywhere descendants of Pennsylvania Germans settled.

Since most fraktur are written in German, many genealogists researching their Teutonic heritage are only now unlocking crucial family details often contained in the manuscripts. Even though they are recognized as a rich source of family data, fraktur are prized as American folk art. Since they are bought and sold in the marketplace, many have ended up in private collections or museums instead of in family hands.

In this highly readable book, the authors take a new look at this art form that records personal data for some of America's early German-speaking families. They tell the history of fraktur from its medieval European roots to its American transformations and to its decline, discuss various motifs used, and explain causes for changing from freehand manuscripts to printed forms. The text also provides information about ways to preserve these delicate documents.

The numerous illustrations blend German lettering and watercolor art which delight the eye with a riot of colors. Where possible, the authors state facts about individual artists and scriveners and furnish notes on specific families. Corinne and Russell Earnest are to be commended for gathering such a wide assortment of fraktur into one volume. Fraktur will be an enjoyable addition to literature about Pennsylvania German families and the rich tradition and culture found in their folk art.

Containing more than 200 colorful illustrations, the 192-page hardback has a glossary, a bibliography of selected references, maps and an index. It can be purchased for $54.95 postpaid from Schiffer Publishing, 4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310. Proceeds from sales will benefit The Heritage Center Museum of Lancaster County, Pa., which sponsored publication of this book. An autographed copy may be ordered from the authors at Russell D. Earnest Associates, Box 1007, East Berlin, PA 17316; phone (717) 259-0299; fax (717) 259-0744; e-mail RDEARNEST@AOL.com.

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The annual international Brees(e) family gathering will take place on Sept. 14-16 in Chickasha, Okla. For more details, get in touch with Dale F. and Clara Ann Brees Phillips, 1927 S. Seventh St., Chickasha, OK 73018; phone (405) 224-6927; e-mail dfp@ionet.net or breesphillipsgenealogy@juno.com.

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Dorothy K. Alvis, Box 473, Hensley, AR 72065-0473, wants to know what happened to Jacob Shannon Sisco, born about 1852 in Ohio. His parents were Horace Sisco and Mary Ann Cross. In 1874 in Iron County, Mo., Jacob married Elizabeth McNail and had 12 children: William Cross, Charles Arthur, Albert George, Louis Alvin, Benjamin, Mary Elizabeth, Frank Edward, Jacob Shannon Jr., Savannah, Claud, Bessie, and Essie. The first seven were born in Missouri, the next three in Little River County, Ark., and the twins (born in 1898) in Dent County, Mo. After Jacob Sr. left home, the family lost contact with him. He is believed to have resided in Texas. Did he remarry and have another family?